Sony has just unveiled the MDR-3R, a pair of headphones that harkens back to the early years of the Walkman. With this model, the Japanese manufacturer is bringing back into the spotlight a range of headphones synonymous with the development of portable audio since 1979. The announcement follows a series of teasers, the design and colours of which evoke the companion to the brand’s first cassette Walkman. Let’s take a look back at this legacy and the expectations surrounding this new generation.
From the MDR-3 to the MDR-3R: the legacy of the first Walkman
The story begins in 1979 with the launch of the TPS-L2 Walkman. To complement its DAP, Sony introduced the MDR-3L2, a lightweight pair of headphones equipped with a 3.5 mm jack and a short cable. The manufacturer also sold the MDR-3 separately, with a 6.3-mm plug. Both versions shared a lightweight design and helped pioneer the trend of listening to music on the go.
The MDR-3R carries on this legacy with an aluminium frame, an adjustable headband, and a claimed weight of 38 g without the cable. The ear pads rest directly on the ears due to their open, supra-aural design. Sony has opted for a compact design that closely resembles the classic silhouette.
As soon as it was announced, Sony highlighted the MDR-3R’s retro aesthetic with a short video that echoed the style of advertisements from that era. The typography, colours, and presentation emphasise the connection between the 1979 headphones and their 2026 reinterpretation.
Sony MDR-3R: USB-C and everyday controls
The main change involves the connection. The MDR-3R headphones can be directly connected to the USB-C port of a compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer using their 1.2 metre cable. Since they are wired, they don’t need to be charged, and you can start listening to music as soon as you plug them in. A remote control built into the cable lets you adjust the volume and control playback. It also features a microphone for calls.
In terms of sound quality, Sony has retained the 23 mm transducers—the same diameter used in the original model. The manufacturer promises a “natural and harmonious” sound. Customisation is also possible: the box includes two pairs of interchangeable ear pads—orange and blue—to change the headphones’ appearance.
Stranger Things: the Walkman at the heart of the story
The return of these headphones resonates in a special way in the series Stranger Things. The Walkman contributes to the visual identity of the 1980s, but also plays a pivotal role in the plot. Sony is extending this partnership with a special edition of the MDR-3R celebrating the series’ 10th anniversary. This edition features red and black ear pads, a logo on the headband, and packaging inspired by the Upside Down. This version brings the world of Stranger Things to a pair of headphones whose design directly evokes the era depicted on screen.
The product is set to go on sale before the end of the year, with prices ranging from €69.99 for the standard MDR-3R—already available on Son-Vidéo.com—to €79.99 for the Stranger Things edition.
In summary
With the MDR-3R, Sony is tapping into the resurgence of interest in 1980s headphones. The manufacturer has kept the lightweight design and colourful ear pads while adding USB-C, controls, and a microphone. The Stranger Things edition also highlights the Walkman’s place in pop culture: a device associated with personal listening that became a central element of the character Max’s story.
